Over 100 Women Sue After Becoming Pregnant Due to Birth Control Packaging Error

Following a 2011 birth control recall, more than 100 women are suing Qualitest Pharmaceuticals saying the packaging error led to unwanted pregnancies.

Out of the 117 women represented in the suit, 113 became pregnant and 94 carried their babies to term, according to Fox News. They are now seeking millions of dollars in damages — some asking for the entire cost of raising a child from birth to adulthood, including education.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The lawsuit claims that birth control packages were "rotated 180 degrees ... reversing the weekly tablet orientation." This mix-up caused women to take placebo pills, which are intended to be taken during menstruation, during a time when they should have been taking active hormone pills.

In September 2011, Qualitest, Inc., a subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals, voluntarily recalled the affected eight varieties of contraceptive pills. "As a result of this packaging error, the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unintended pregnancy," the Food and Drug Administration recall read.

In a recent statement to ABC News, the pharmaceutical company said, "The voluntary recall occurred based on an extremely small number of pill packs ... Endo has been able to confirm only one blister pack that manifested a defect and was sold to a patient. Additionally, courts have dismissed cases arising out of the recall because the plaintiff could not establish that she purchased a defective package."

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.